Easter 2023: Know everything about Easter 2023: History, Significance and Celebration

Easter or Resurrection Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays. It is rooted in the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was crucified, and was even buried, but resurrected. The festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.
A week before Easter is considered as the Holy Week, which according to Western Christianity includes Palm Sunday (marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem), Spy Wednesday (on which the betrayal of Jesus is mourned), Easter Triduum days including– Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

In Western Christianity, Eastertide, or the Easter Season, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts seven weeks, ending with the coming of the 50th day, Pentecost Sunday.
In some cultures, the Easter festival is celebrated over a period of several days, known as the Holy Week. This includes events such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Each day has its own religious significance and is observed with specific traditions and rituals.
Overall, Easter is a time of joy and celebration for Christians around the world, as it represents the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life.

1. When is Easter observed?
   The date of Easter is determined by the lunar and solar calendars. In Western Christianity, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal (spring) equinox, which usually falls between March 22 and April 25. The date of Easter changes every year, but it always falls on a Sunday.In Eastern Christianity, including the Eastern Orthodox Church, the date of Easter is determined using the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar used in the West. As a result, the date of Easter in the Eastern Church may differ from the date celebrated in the Western Church.
2. When is Easter being celebrated in 2023?
   This year Easter is being celebrated on April 9 (Sunday).
3. What is the history of the festival?
   The history of Easter dates back to the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and three days later, he rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. This event is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and Easter is the most important Christian holiday along with Christmas. The word “Easter” itself has roots in pagan traditions. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word “Eostre,” which was the name of a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. The celebration of Easter was therefore incorporated into Christian tradition as a way to attract pagan converts.The exact date of Easter has been the subject of much debate over the centuries. The early Christian church used the Jewish calendar to determine the date of Easter, and it was celebrated on the first Sunday after the Jewish holiday of Passover. However, in 325 CE, the Council of Nicaea established a formula for calculating the date of Easter that was based on the solar calendar. This formula is still used today by most Christian churches.According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities because he claimed to be the “Son of God”. He was then sentenced to death by Roman emperor Pontius Pilate by crucifixion. His resurrection three days later marks the occasion of Easter.
4. What is the significance attached to Easter?
   The significance of Easter for Christians is that it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian belief that salvation and eternal life are possible through faith in him. It is also a reminder of the power of God’s love and the hope that believers have in eternal life after death.Easter is also significant for Christians because it marks the end of the season of Lent, a period of fasting, prayer, and repentance. During Lent, Christians reflect on their own mortality and the need for spiritual renewal. Easter, therefore, represents a time of joy and celebration as believers commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new life. Beyond its religious significance, Easter has also become a cultural holiday celebrated by people around the world, often with traditions that include Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, and Easter baskets filled with candy and treats. These secular customs reflect the hope and renewal associated with the arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings.
5. How is the festival celebrated?
   Easter is celebrated by Christians around the world, and the exact customs and traditions associated with the holiday can vary depending on the country and culture. Some common Easter celebrations include Church services (Easter Sunday is a time when many Christians attend church services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ). Easter eggs are a common symbol of the holiday, and many people decorate eggs with colorful dyes and designs.In some cultures, such as in the United States and United Kingdom, Easter egg hunts are a popular tradition for children. In some cultures, children receive Easter baskets filled with candy, toys, and other treats. Some countries, such as Spain and Mexico, hold parades and festivals during Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday.Overall, Easter is a time of joy and celebration for Christians around the world, and many people mark the occasion with a variety of customs and traditions.